A Pakistani cricket fan who was arrested for waving the flag of India after his idol Virat Kohli struck a match-winning knock was granted bail on Friday.
An additional district and sessions court accepted the bail plea of Umer Daraz who was arrested on January 26 for hoisting an Indian flag on his rooftop in Punjab.
Police said Daraz, 22, went “against the ideology of Pakistan” when he waved the flag at his house in Okara town in Punjab during the match against Australia in Adelaide.
Daraz was celebrating Kohli’s amazing knock of 90 not out, which set up India’s 37-run win in the first of three Twenty20 internationals against Australia.
His conviviality and subsequent arrest came as Pakistan’s arch-rival India marked its national Republic Day.
Regional police officer Faisal Rana said Daraz was charged under Pakistan’s penal code with acting against Pakistan’s sovereignty. He could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine.
“Daraz initially told us that he is a true Pakistani but likes Kohli and never knew that was a crime,” Rana told media.
“His act is against our country’s sovereignty and is against the ideology of Pakistan.” Rana said Daraz’s home was also full of Kohli pictures.
